The key statement in president Roh Moo Hyun's address to the Korean people about Korea-Japan relations was the part where he said, "Dokdo for us... is emblematic of bringing closure to an unjust history in our relationship with Japan and of the full consolidation of Korea's sovereignty." You might say it is a new stage in the understanding of the issue by this and previous Korean governments.
The response it should now take is the natural result of this understanding. Its "quiet diplomacy" has always been controversial for because of questions about its effectiveness, and it will now be retired while a decisive and proactive approach takes its place. That means that if Japan again attempts to enter our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in connection with territorial rights to Dokdo, it will actively take its case to the international community and the Japanese people. The tone was strong, but considering how Japan has systematically intensified its claims on the islets, this is also an unavoidable defensive move.
While the direction the government is taking is appropriate, there are details it needs to pay attention to. The first would be consistency. It must not vacillate because of situational changes. It needs to steadily strengthen Korea's practical control on the islets. The creation of the "Northeast Asia History Foundation," delayed for some time now, needs to be expedited. There also needs to be substance. You do not automatically solve the more difficult problems by talking big with strong expressions of emotion. Even on the naming question that was at issue this time around, Korea is 20 years behind Japan. Instead of having the president get involved only after such episodes and as if he is part of the independence movement, government officials need to be thorough and determined about Dokdo every day of the year.
In the meantime it would not be desirable to have the whole of Korea-Japanese relations turn cold over the Dokdo issue. The government of Junichiro Koizumi and its harm to relations with actions like worship at the Yasukuni Shrine and exchange at the nongovernmental level need to be approached separately.
The Hankyoreh, 26 April 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] Consistency and Substance Needed on Dokdo |
